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Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (Tell the Earth to Shake) by the Western Colorado Chorale and the Grand Junction Symphony orchestra, Monte Atkinson, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (The Tree of Peace).
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (There Is a Way to Glory).
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (Tell the Earth to Shake) by the Plymouth State College New England Choral Festival, Dan Perkins, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (The Tree of Peace).
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (There Is a Way to Glory).
Download a PDF file of the choral score (Tell the Earth to Shake) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the choral score (The Tree of Peace) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the choral score (There Is a Way to Glory) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the orchestra score (Tell the Earth to Shake) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the orchestra score (The Tree of Peace) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Download a PDF file of the orchestra score (There Is a Way to Glory) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
(More PDF files of scores and other recordings, including TTBB versions, are available by consulting the pages linked below for each separate work.)
A Testament to Peace is a composite work for SATB or TTBB chorus and orchestra that consists of three separately published movements: Tell the Earth to Shake, The Tree of Peace, and There is a Way to Glory (a movement from Songs to the Lord of Peace). Below are program notes in both short and long versions for the three movements of the work that can be used for performances of A Testament to Peace.
Short program notes:
A Testament to Peace is a set of three songs on peace-oriented themes, composed independently, now joined together with orchestral accompaniment. The movements are: Tell the Earth to Shake (text by Thomas Merton); The Tree of Peace (John Greenleaf Whittier poem) and There is a Way to Glory (another Thomas Merton text). The topic of peace is presented powerfully (the thunderous message of Go tell the earth to shake), gently (love shall tread out the fires of anger, and in its ashes plant a tree of peace) and triumphantly (Riding on to Sion where the Lord of Peace rules in glory).
Long program notes:
Tell the Earth to Shake: The poem, by Thomas Merton (1915-1968), a Trappist Monk, presents the powerful voice of God: "Tell the earth to shake...for a new world is born, and all my people shall be one." This is an insistent poem, with repetitions of stanzas, and only slight variations. Through forceful restatement, the poem grows into the closing lines:
There shall be no more hate
And no more oppression
The old wrongs are done
My people shall be one
The musical setting adopts the form of the poem. As the lyrics are structured into verse pairings, "tell the earth to shake" and "the old wrongs are over," so the men's voices are paired with, and answered by, the women's voices. The alternation continues several times, with the tonal center shifting up a step with each section. The modulations, intended to increase the strength and intensity of the song, are effected through sections of "pacem" (peace). This word has been inserted by the composer to form bridges between the verses. For, as the earth will shake "with marching feet of messengers of peace," so peace becomes the means of bringing the people together as one.
The Tree of Peace: The text for this work has been adapted from the Quaker poem, O Brother Man, by John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892). This contemporary adaptation of the poem broadens the scope of the original with more inclusive language, opening with, "O, my sister and my brother, all who walk upon this earth, fold to your hearts each other."
A new text fragment, "Listen, listen to one another," is introduced into the poem, and serves as an interlude between the stanzas. The final sentence of the original poem becomes the focal point of this work, returning many times. "Love shall tread out the fire of anger, and in its ashes plant a tree of peace."
The musical setting reflects the dual nature of the title, Tree (strength) and Peace (tenderness). The work opens with accented chords in the strings, clarinet, bassoon, and timpani. These chords are marked "with strength." This is the conviction of the Tree of Peace.
The tender aspects are introduced in the arpeggio patterns in the piano. These are marked "flowing." The related choral phrases refer to humanity, "O, my brother and my sister," to mercy and to the peace of the Lord. Passages of tenderness alternate and intertwine with passages of strength to form a confluence of the message -- a prayer for peace.
There Is a Way to Glory: The text for this poem is taken from a series of Freedom Songs which Thomas Merton wrote in 1966. These poems were created in response to a special request in connection with the Christian non-violent movement for Civil Rights. Faith, equality, and peace are unfiying themes in these poems.
There is a Way to Glory is a triumphant march to glory, as expressed by the lyrics:
There is a way to glory. Love is this way to glory.
Riding on to Sion where the Lord of Peace rules in glory.
The music is placed in a 2/2 marching meter, and the oscillating pitches on the word "glory" intend to reflect a trembling with ecstasy on the journey to heaven.
Notes by the composer